72nd Mechanized Brigade (Ukraine)
The 72nd Mechanized Brigade named after the Black Zaporozhians is a formation of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. It was previously named the 29th Rifle Division (2nd formation) and then the 72nd Guards Rifle Division of the Soviet Ground Forces. In 1957, it became a motor rifle division.
| 72nd Mechanized Brigade (2016–present) 72nd Guards Mechanized Brigade 72nd Guards Mechanized Division 72nd Guards Motor Rifle Division 72nd Guards Rifle Division 29th Rifle Division (2nd Formation) (1941–1943) | |
|---|---|
72nd Mechanized Brigade Sleeve Patch | |
| Active | December 5, 1941 – present |
| Country | Ukraine |
| Branch | Ukrainian Army |
| Type | Brigade |
| Role | Mechanized |
| Size | ~3,000 |
| Part of | Operational Command North |
| Garrison/HQ | Bila Tserkva, Kyiv Oblast |
| Nickname(s) | The Black Brigade |
| Motto(s) | Ukraine or death! (Ukrainian: Україна або смерть!) |
| March | "Brave Lads, Brave Army" (Ukrainian: Хоробрі хлопці, відважне військо!) |
| Equipment | T-64 |
| Engagements | World War II |
| Decorations | Order of the Red Banner (removed) For Courage and Bravery |
| Battle honours |
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| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Colonel Ivan Vinnik |
Since 2014, the brigade has participated in the Ukrainian-Russian war in Donbas as part of the Anti-Terrorist Operation. In the summer of 2014, units of the brigade fought hard on the Russian-Ukrainian border, in the Azov region, and, in the winter of 2016, near Avdiivka in the industrial zone.
In August 2017, the brigade received an honorary title after the military formation of the Ukrainian People's Republic, the Black Zaporozhian Cavalry Regiment.
The brigade is extensively involved in the Russian invasion of Ukraine participating in battles in the Kyiv Oblast and in the Donbas.